operational trial of dayzz app

Conditions: Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders

Summary: sleep deficiency is a hidden cost of our 24-7 society, with 70% of americans admitting that they routinely obtain insufficient sleep, 30% of us workers report sleeping less than 6 hours per night, and it is estimated that 50-70 million individuals have a sleep disorder. undiagnosed and untreated sleep disorders are associated with poor health outcomes for the individual and generate substantial costs for the employer. diminished alertness resulting from sleep deficiency or undiagnosed and untreated sleep disorders contributes to absenteeism, presenteeism (diminished work performance at work), health care expenditure, occupational injuries, workplace accidents, and commute-related motor vehicle crashes; all of which result in substantial direct and indirect costs. the investigators have shown that adverse impacts on employees and employers can be mitigated through a sleep health education and sleep disorder screening program which have been implemented in a variety of industries. further, smartphone apps are becoming popular. dayzz has created a personalized sleep training app that evaluates sleep issues and offers a holistic sleep improvement solution. it is unique in that the sleep app uses evidence-based, big-data-based algorithms to provide personalized sleep training plans. the sleep solutions are tailored to the individual user and leverages unique motivational strategies and continuous supportive messaging. the investigators hypothesize that the dayzz app, offering a personalized, scientifically based sleep training plan, might further promote improved health, safety and well-being. this clinical trial will implement the sleep health education and sleep disorders screening program in combination with the dayzz app.

specifically, the investigators will test the hypotheses that: primary aim 1: early dayzz participants who use the app will report positive changes in sleep behavior as compared to the late dayzz participants. primary aim 2: early dayzz participants who use the app will have increased sleep duration and sleep quality as compared to the late dayzz participants. secondary aim 1: early dayzz participants who use the app will have fewer unscheduled absences and higher performance/productivity as compared to the late dayzz participants. secondary aim 2: early dayzz participants who use the app will have improved mood and alertness and increased energy as compared to the late dayzz participants. secondary aim 3: early dayzz participants who use the app will report fewer adverse health and safety outcomes as compared to the late dayzz participants. secondary aim 4: early dayzz participants who use the app will have lower health care costs over a 9-month follow-up period as compared to the late dayzz participants.

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: * employee of harvard university or harvard-affiliated institution or hospital. * nominally work a day schedule. * own and use a smart phone. * regularly use a smart phone app (i.e., once per week). exclusion criteria: * regularly work evening, night or rotating shifts. * pregnant or breast-feeding.

Keywords: sleep sleep deficiency workplace health occupational health workplace health promotion mobile health mhealth